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Current Happenings

Thank you for visiting the Bull Shoals Lake Current Happenings Page. Check back periodically for postings on Corps of Engineers special events, and current issues on Bull Shoals Lake and in the surrounding area.

White River Dams Continue To Reduce Flooding; No Large Releases Needed
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 4 – As remnants of Gustav finally move out of the White River Basin, officials of the Army Corps of Engineers continue to operate the federal lakes according to plan to minimize flooding in the White River valley. Also, officials say no large releases from the Corps dams will be necessary because of this rain system. More

White River Dams Help Limit Crop Flooding; Those Downstream of the Dams Should Remain on Guard LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 3 – As rains continue to soak the White River Basin, officials of the Army Corps of Engineers are hard at work using federal lakes to minimize flooding of cropland in the White River valley. Meanwhile, officials continue to urge those living near the rivers downstream of these dams to remain on guard should large releases become necessary. More

Rain Could Cause Higher Than Normal Releases From White River Dams
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sep. 3 – Tropical depression Gustav has moved into Arkansas and southern Missouri. Heavy rain has begun and is forecast to continue most of the week. Depending how much and where rain actually falls, the Army Corps of Engineers could be prompted to make larger than normal releases from Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals or Norfork dams. More

Corps Urges Visitors To Use Precautions To Protect Belongings
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Aug. 22 – The Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, is advising visitors to area parks to be aware of an increase in thefts and vehicle break-ins. Visitors to Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes who leave vehicles parked or boats docked at the lakes should take a few extra precautions. More

Routine Inspection Will Prompt Opening of Bull Shoals Conduit Gates
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., July 14 – The Army Corps of Engineers is reminding interested persons that conduit gates will be opened one at a time on Bull Shoals Dam from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. today in preparation for a routine inspection. The gate openings will produce greater than normal river flows. Similar gate openings took place last week at Norfork Dam. More

One Lane of Bridge Across Bull Shoals Dam To Temporarily Close
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., June 20 – Because of inspections that will require use of a crane atop Bull Shoals Dam, the east bound lane of Arkansas Highway 178 across the dam will be temporarily closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, starting June 24 and lasting through July 2. More

Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes Ready for the Holiday Weekend
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark, May 22 – Both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are open for visitor use despite the recent record rainfall that will keep both lakes much higher than normal throughout the summer. More

White River System Lake Update
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 18 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to remind everyone that extreme heavy rains throughout March and April have left the upper White River system lakes with almost no capacity for additional flood storage. Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry Lakes are currently at or near the top of spillway gates. This means any significant additional rainfall will have to be passed directly through those gates, greatly diminishing the project's ability to reduce flood damages. More

High Lake Levels Leave Many Parks Closed at Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark, April 16 – Because of recent repeated rainfall over the White River Basin and resultant high lake levels, officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mountain Home Project Office have closed several parks and boat ramps at Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes. More

Forecast Rain Could Cause Higher Than Normal Releases For White River Dams
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Apr 2 – Recent rain, coupled with heavy rains in the forecast for Thursday, could cause the Army Corps of Engineers to begin making larger than normal releases from four of the six lakes the agency operates in the White River Basin. More

Power Generation To Resume At Bull Shoals, Norfork Lakes
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., March 20 – Beginning tomorrow morning limited hydroelectric power generation will resume at both Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes. The releases are being timed to coincide with the natural drop in the river levels following the torrential rains earlier this week. More

Heavy Rains Causing Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes To Raise
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., March 19 – Heavy rains this week have caused the levels of Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes to rise. High lake levels, combined with cold air and water temperatures, will make boating and fishing more hazardous. The Army Corps of Engineers is advising boaters and anglers to prepare for these conditions and use extra caution. More

Park Openings
It is hard to believe the 2008 recreation season is already approaching. While most outdoor recreation takes place from May through September, the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mountain Home Project begins its early season in March with the opening of two parks on Bull Shoals Lake. More

Midwinter Eagle Survey
The annual midwinter eagle survey for Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes was conducted Jan. 9 and 10, and our national symbol, the American bald eagle, is alive and well in the Twin Lakes area. Forty years of conservation have brought these majestic birds back from the brink of extinction. More

One Lane of State Highway 178 Across Bull Shoals Dam to Temporary Close MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Jan.23 – Because of inspections that will require use of a crane atop Bull Shoals Dam, the south bound lane of Arkansas Highway 178 across the dam will be temporarily closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.5. More

Hypothermia Threat 45-Second Radio PSA
During winter, the Twin Lakes offer superb outdoor activities. But stay alert to the threat of hypothermia, which can occur even during mild temperatures. Cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air. Prevention is key. Dress in layers, and protect the head and neck. Wear a life jacket so you can float without excessive movement in case you fall overboard.

Be alert for shivering, bluish lips and skin, slurred speech, and blurred vision. If these symptoms appear, immediately seek a warm location and drink warm liquids – but no caffeine or alcohol. Be safe at the lake. This is a message from this station and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Controlled Burn Scheduled Announced
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Jan. 11 -- The Army Corps of Engineers announced the beginning of the winter controlled burn season for public land around Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes. Park rangers from the Mountain Home Project Office will conduct prescribed burns on several parcels of public land between now and April 1. More

Boaters, Anglers, Can Help Control Spread of Zebra Mussels
As many readers now know, Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have been documented in Bull Shoals Lake. This discovery near the boat launch at Lead Hill Park at the upper end of Bull Shoals north of Harrison has caused quite a stir among federal, state and local officials. It is important for local anglers and boaters to become familiar with this invasive species and what we need to do to prevent or slow its spread in the Ozarks. More

Zebra Mussel Warning
Zebra Mussels have been identified in Bulls Shoals Lake! Please read the following notice for instructions on how to protect our waters from these nuisance species. More pdf

Fall Camping May Be Just The Ticket
If the thought of cool nights and comfortably warm afternoons appeals to you, if un-crowded campsites and light boat traffic get you thinking about visiting the Twin Lakes again, if the promise of hungry fish in a fall feeding pattern gets you excited, then a fall camping trip to Norfork or Bull Shoals lakes may be just what you are looking for. More

Corps Revokes Leases at Tucker Hollow, Sugar Loaf Harbor Marinas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 24 – The Little Rock District of the Army Corps of Engineers has revoked the leases at Sugarloaf Harbor Marina and Tucker Hollow Boat Dock on Bull Shoals Lake because of repeated lease violations. More

As Autumn Approaches, Thoughts Turn to Hunting Season
With the approach of the last of the three summer holidays, and with local schools already back in session, many outdoor enthusiasts’ thoughts turn to hunting.

The 2007-2008 hunting season is just around the corner. There are many options for hunters in the Twin Lakes area who do not have access to private property, including several state wildlife management areas, national forests, and lands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More

Falling Lake Levels Spark Need for Boating Caution
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Aug. 28 -- The levels of Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes have been normal or slightly above normal through out the summer. Although with the recent extreme heat and lack of rainfall, the lake levels have dropped several feet in the last few weeks. More

Patience, Safety Key To Summer Fun On The Lakes
It is summer in the Twin Lakes area, and people are heading to the water. Although this summer has not been as hot and dry as some, the lakes are still busy. So whether you are camping, boating, or on a late evening fishing trip, you will not be alone on the lake. Therefore, it pays to use an extra measure of patience with others and practice good water safety habits. More

Mountain Home Lakefront June 2007
Mid-summer activities are abounding at Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes, and there are several fun events yet to come. The weather has been mild, and while the season has gone well for most visitors, there have been serious incidents that could have been prevented by applying sound safety principles. Please practice outdoor safety whether you are in the water or on the lakeshore. More

Boundary Line Maintenance Scheduled on Bull Shoals Lake
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., June 11 – The Army Corps of Engineers is advising landowners adjacent to public lands on Bull Shoals Lake that survey crews soon will conduct boundary line maintenance along a 40-mile section of government boundary. More

Buffer of Public Land Around Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes Has Many Benefits
To some neighbors whose property adjoins the public land surrounding Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes, some of our regulations may seem restrictive. But rest assured, these regulations are designed to help protect these premier lakes for present and future generations. More

Changes Coming to Golden Passport Program
MOUNTAIN HOME, AR February 13, 2007 – For years the Army Corps of Engineers has participated in the Golden Passport Program, which offered a 50 percent discount on recreation fees to those age 62 and older and those with a permanent disability. However, the passage of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 created a new discount program called the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass Program, and this new program was implemented January 1, 2007. More

Survey of Government Boundary Line on Bull Shoals Lake
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Aug.30 -- The Army Corps of Engineers is advising landowners adjacent to public lands on Bull Shoals Lake in Taney County that crews are conducting a survey of the government boundary line. More

Special Ozark Isle Youth Deer Hunt Announced
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., August 7 -- The Army Corps of Engineers is taking applications from youth hunters who would like to participate in a special deer hunt Dec. 2 and 3 in Ozark Isle Park at Bull Shoals Lake. Eight permits will be issued to hunter education graduates 15 years old and under (born on or after Dec. 3, 1990.) More

Corps Announces Improvements to Power Generation Phone Line
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., July 28 – To provide improved hydropower generation and lake level information at Bull Shoals and Norfork dams, the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mountain Home Project Office and CenturyTel of Mountain Home together have found a way that technology can offer a greater level of service. More

Bull Shoals Nursery Pond Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Bull Shoals Lake has a new facility constructed jointly by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that will help improve fishing for many years to come. The facility is the Bull Shoals Nursery Pond. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Wednesday, June 28. More

Natural Buffer of Public Land Has Many Benefits
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Feb. 4 – Regulations governing activities at Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes and the surrounding public lands are part of management plans designed to ensure the public gets the most benefits possible while preserving the natural resources for future generations. As federal projects, all taxpayers throughout the nation have ownership in both lakes. More

Ozark Isle Wildlife Viewing Areas
Ozark Isle is named one of the 92 wildlife viewing areas by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Animals such as deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles can be found there. Shorebirds and waterfowl can be found at Ozark Isle as well, but remember to follow these basic viewing ethics whenever you go:

· Leave pets at home
  They may chase, startle, or even kill wildlife.
· Keep your distance
  View them from a distance using binoculars and scopes. Always leave animals an avenue to retreat, and if your presence causes   them to act differently, you are too close.
· Respect nesting sites and dens
  Well meaning but intrusive visitors may cause parents to flee, leaving young animals left to fend for themselves. Please stay on   designated trails.
· Respect the rights of other viewers
  Keep quiet. If other people are viewing, allow them to enjoy a high-quality experience, too. Remember to leave places in better   condition than you found them by picking up litter and disposing of it properly.

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- For more information about these items or for information on other current issues contact the Mountain Home Project Office.

Updated/Reviewed: 5 Sep 2008